Things to Know About Dog Wheelchairs

Are you in a situation where you wonder if your dog needs a wheelchair? A dog wheelchair has many benefits and can give your pooch a new lease on life. Learn more about dog wheelchairs and when you should get one for your dog.

Is a wheelchair necessary?

Dogs are like people in many ways. They grow old and may develop age-related conditions that limit their mobility. They can get into accidents that lay them low for a while, and some diseases affect their ability to move normally. Whatever the case involving loss of mobility, a dog wheelchair typically improves their well-being, so it is a good idea to get one.

When You Should Get One

Here are some issues that may make it necessary to invest in a dog wheelchair. 

Arthritis 

Older dogs can develop stiffening of the joints because of arthritis. The condition can make it difficult, if not impossible, for them to run or walk normally without pain. While painkillers and supplements such as glucosamine can help, you can mitigate the symptoms of arthritis by keeping your dog on the move.

Physical activity helps the body produce more fluid that lubricates the joints and makes them less painful to move. Yes, it’s a chicken-and-egg situation, but a dog wheelchair can make it less challenging. Because a wheelchair supports some of your dog’s weight, it reduces the Impact on the joints. This encourages your dog to move more, which is what you want. The result is less pain and better quality of life. 

Intervertebral Disc Diseases (IVDD) 

Intervertebral Disc Diseases (IVDD) is common among some breeds, but it can happen to all dogs at any age. Sometimes called a slipped disc, the condition occurs when the spinal discs go out of alignment, rupture, or deteriorate. This results in weakness in the legs, commonly the hind legs.

A dog wheelchair can rehabilitate your dog in the early stages by reducing the pressure on the discs. The wheelchair may become the only way to keep your dog mobile if the condition is more advanced.  

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

One of the most devastating diseases that cause loss of mobility in dogs is degenerative myelopathy or DM. The condition occurs when the dog’s brain progressively loses its connection to the spinal cord. It is most common among dogs eight years old and above and manifests as wobbly legs and feet dragging. 

Unfortunately, DM only gets worse, and there is no treatment. At some point, your dog may lose the ability to walk altogether. A dog wheelchair can improve their mobility and well-being until then. The good news is dogs with DM do not experience pain. 

While these are the most common reasons dogs start losing their mobility, they are not the only ones. Consult your vet if you observe your dog that has difficulty moving or walking. They can help you manage the issue by identifying the cause and discussing your treatment options.

The vet will likely ask you if your dog is alert and responsive. If they are, a pet wheelchair is a viable solution to your dog’s mobility issues. 

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Jun 28

Is Medicare Part B Deductible? A Guide to Premiums

Imagine standing at the foot of a towering mountain named “is medicare Part B tax deductible”, wondering how to start your climb. It’s not Everest, but it can be daunting nonetheless.

You’ve heard whispers about medical expenses and deductions, about monthly premiums affecting adjusted gross income. But you’re left grappling with questions: How does it all work? Where do I even begin?

Let’s go into some unfamiliar areas. We’ll decode the eligibility criteria for Medicare Part B and decipher income-related monthly adjustments. Plus, we’ll explore how itemized deductions impact your taxes.

Is Medicare Part B really tax-deductible?

Understanding Medicare Part B and Tax Deductibility

When it comes to health care costs, every bit of help counts. That’s why understanding the ins and outs of Medicare Part B can make a big difference. Let’s begin by exploring the details of this program.

Medicare Part B, also known as medical insurance, covers certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services. You might be wondering – how much does it cost? The answer depends on your income; however, typically beneficiaries cover around 15% of their overall Medicare costs with monthly premiums.

The Link Between Taxes and Medical Expenses

Taxes are rarely fun to deal with but they’re an integral part of our financial lives. When dealing with medical expenses like those from Medicare Part B premiums paid out-of-pocket or long-term care costs related to specific conditions you may ask if these are tax deductible?

The simple answer is yes – in some cases. For many folks filing federal income tax returns who itemize deductions instead of taking the standard deduction amounts could include these payments under eligible health insurance expenses. But there’s a catch: Only that portion exceeding 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) will count towards the deduction for any given tax year.

Navigating Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA)

If you have high-income based on modified adjusted gross numbers reported two years ago then get ready for irmaa – Income-related monthly adjustment amounts – which means paying more for your Medicare coverage including part b premium amount than lower-income beneficiaries would pay premiums due to higher incomes within defined brackets set by Social Security Administration guidelines annually updated. The IRMAA determination is based on income from two years prior to your current enrollment period.

As the days to your enrollment period approach, it’s vital to understand the costs you will face, including the Part B deductible. Each period of coverage by Medicare Part B begins after you’ve met this deductible.

Self-employed individuals have something to be cheerful about with regards to IRMAA – they can deduct all Medicare premiums from their federal taxes, thus decreasing the total amount of money paid for medical care. They can deduct all Medicare premiums from their federal taxes, effectively lowering the total out-of-pocket medical expenses.

Can All Medical Expenses Be Deducted?

Eye exams might qualify, other expenses may not. It’s crucial to understand the guidelines before claiming deductions on your tax return.

Apr 26

Your Guide to 2023 Medicare Part B Premiums

Peeling back the layers of **2023 Medicare Part B premiums** reveals a landscape ripe with changes, and understanding these can feel like navigating through a dense fog. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We’re about to clear the air.

This year brings a sigh of relief for many with reduced standard monthly premiums and deductibles. Yet, there’s more beneath the surface, especially when income-related adjustments step into play.

Dive in as we dissect enrollment periods, financial help programs tailored for those who need them most, and prescription drug coverage nuances that could affect your pocketbook. Additionally, uncover the nuances between Medicare Advantage Plans and Original Medicare in this year’s comparison to better navigate your healthcare choices.

The goal? To arm you with knowledge so sharp; you’ll cut through any confusion surrounding your healthcare options in 2024.

2023 Medicare Part B Premiums Overview

For those of you monitoring your health-related expenses, prepare to be potentially delighted by the latest update. The standard monthly premium for Part B in 2023 has taken a slight dip to $164.90, down from what we saw last year. But wait, there’s more good news – the annual deductible has also decreased to $226.

If you’re scratching your head wondering why your Part B premium seems higher than your neighbor’s, the answer likely lies in irmaa. This isn’t a strict aunt coming to visit; it stands for income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts. Essentially, if you’ve had a good year financially, Uncle Sam assumes you can chip in more for health care.

The crux of IRMAA is its reliance on your tax return from two years ago to decide if you owe extra on top of the standard Part B and prescription drug coverage premiums. For instance, high-income beneficiaries discovered that their total premiums varied significantly based on income levels in 2024. If this feels like being penalized for success, remember: This mechanism is in place to make sure Medicare remains robust, able to support countless individuals with their health needs.

To get into specifics without making our heads spin:

  • Those with an adjusted gross income exceeding certain thresholds find themselves facing these monthly adjustment amounts.
  • This means both Parts B and D could cost more depending on how flush with cash the IRS thought you were two years back.
  • Fret not; there are silver linings like Medicare Savings Programs, designed to help those struggling with these adjustments.

     

Mar 26

What Are Business enterprise Loans?

Business loans can be defined as money lent for a defined amount of time at a specific interest rate to a particular person or people that operate a business enterprise or plan to operate a business. This interpretation is very wide, but so are the various types of loans available to business enterprise people. Deciding on which type of small business loan that you and your company will benefit from the most is very important. Often times, a start-up small business or someone that has never owned a small business will find themselves more or less applying for a “personal” loan. This can be a very risky undertaking, mixing small business loans with personal loans, however, often times it is the only available means for first time business owners. Find out more Business Loans & Finance

One of the first things personal business owners need to do is establish business enterprise credit. Talk to Top Gear Asset Finance  Business enterprise credit can help you get a small business only loan without using your personal credit. Establishing business credit can be done by:

1.) Opening up a business credit card account and paying it in full.

2.) Buying equipment and supplies from firms that will report good standing to the business credit bureaus.

3.) Having a good business plan with prospective earnings, letters of intent, and any type of Customer contracts already laid out.

All of these types of endeavors can help in receiving a business loan. Often times, financial institutions require in-depth business plans, be prepared to spend days working on just the certification paperwork prior to applying for a business loan. A business only loan can be obtained in the business name without use of personal credit as long as the business can justify the loan amount and the capacity to pay it back.

There are a number of different types of business loans available, ranging from those secured with collateral, non-secure loans, which are based upon the credit worthiness of the applicant, and even government loans for small business enterprise ventures, women and minorities. Government loans are those loans secured by the government; in most instances these loans are available when the small business or owner can prove that the community will prosper based upon the business enterprise at hand. For the most part, government loans are based upon personal credit.
The basis for which you may need or require a business loan may vary. Some of the most common business enterprise loans available to business enterprise owners are:

  • Acquisitions or a loan to acquire an existing small business
  • Inventory loans
  • Account Receivable Loans
  • Working Capital Loans which converts a firms assets into working capital
  • Equipment leasing
  • Commercial Property loans
  • Warehouse funding
  • international small business loans
  • Franchise loans

One of the most important tools when deciding on what type of business loan your firm needs is research. Researching the different types of loans available to you and your company can save you cash. First, look into the different type of small business loans available to you in your state. Many states have government loans available; some even offer grants, which is money available for particular purposes that do not require repayment. Research the different type of Government loans available. 

Reach out to us today Asset Finance